CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-9400T vs Intel Core i3-8300T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-9400T is a low-power, six-core desktop processor introduced as part of the Coffee Lake Refresh lineup, designed specifically for small form factor (SFF) systems and mini PCs where thermal constraints are strict.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office applications, large spreadsheets, and multitasking without issues.
The larger cache makes desktop interactions and application loading feel slightly snappier than the 6MB 8100T.
Gaming
Capable of light eSports gaming using integrated graphics, but not suited for AAA titles.
The 8MB cache helps slightly, but the lack of Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading makes it unsuitable for gaming.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but lacks Hyper-Threading for heavy parallel workloads.
8MB cache helps with VM context switching, but 4 threads is still a severe bottleneck.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for low-power segments.
Matches the i3-8100T's excellent efficiency profile.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low core clocks limit CPU-based inference
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock is too slow for meaningful inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 630 handles older or lightweight games well
- Pairs best with discrete GPUs for 1080p gaming
- Not ideal for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming
- Not intended for gaming.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock prevents acceptable frame rates in modern titles.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Runs exceptionally cool
- Quiet operation potential
Cons
- Low base clock of 1.8 GHz
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform
- Limited upgrade path
Pros
- 8MB L3 cache is larger than retail i3 alternatives
- 3.2 GHz fixed clock is 100 MHz higher than 8100T
- Low 35W power draw
- UHD Graphics 630 included
- Often cheap on the used market
Cons
- OEM-only, no retail warranty
- No Turbo Boost
- No Hyper-Threading
- Still only 4 threads
- DDR4-2400 memory limit
- PCIe 3.0 only
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-9400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low Power Desktop
Better raw performance if power constraints are not a strict issue.
Compare head-to-headSlightly higher clocks within the same 35W envelope.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-9100Alt
Cheaper alternative for basic office needs.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Significantly better integrated graphics performance.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Newer generation with Hyper-Threading support.
Intel Core i3-8300T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400TRival
OEM Low-Power
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low-Power Desktop
The 10th gen successor adds Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost.
Compare head-to-headN/A
A Coffee Lake refresh option with better clocks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An efficient 6-core chip that trades raw clock speed for a strict 35W thermal envelope, making it perfect for compact systems but less ideal for heavy workloads.
Best for: Building or upgrading a low-power, small form factor system where a 35W TDP is strictly required.
Read the full reviewA uniquely configured OEM chip that offers more cache than the retail i3-8100T. While still limited by no Turbo Boost or Hyper-Threading, the 8MB cache makes it the best performing 35W 8th gen i3.
Best for: Finding one salvaged from an OEM PC to use as a cheap LGA 1151v2 upgrade, as it outperforms the retail i3-8100T.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-9400T or Intel Core i3-8300T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-9400T comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-9400T or Intel Core i3-8300T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-9400T leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-9400T and Intel Core i3-8300T.
Do Intel Core i5-9400T and Intel Core i3-8300T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-9400T: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i3-8300T: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-9400T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-9400T (6 cores), Intel Core i3-8300T (4 cores).